If you aren't familiar with the term, a monkey trap is some sort of container (usually listed as a coconut) that has an opening that barely fits a monkey's open paw. A piece of fruit is placed inside. When a monkey tries to grab the fruit, he can't pull it and his hand out of the whole. The idea is that a hunter will use this to catch, and presumably eat, the monkey. The irony is that the monkey can escape at any time if they would let go of the fruit inside. In the other words the only thing trapping the monkey is it's unwillingness to let go.
Now I don't know if it really is true or not (about a 1 hour search online revelead referneces, poor comedic videos and illustrations), but it is very easy to relate the concept to our walk with Christ. As we broke into small groups, I we talked about the rich young ruler. The story transpires in Matthew. A man came and asked Jesus what was needed for eternal life. In Short Christ said keep the 10 commandments. The man replied he had done so. Then Christ replied, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." The man was sad and turned away for he was very rich. Despite the promise of treasure in heaven and eternal life, since this was the topic, he couldn't let go of his wealth. He was in a monkey trap.
It amazes me sometimes how simple it is for us to get sidetracked in our faith. And how simple the fix is. The first commandment is to love the Lord with all your Heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength. It may seem like a harsh line, but anything that detracts from God is a sin. Anything that causes us to take our eyes off the Lord should be removed. Christ said we must deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow him. That implies letting go of items I hold dear, just like a monkey trap.
It was one of those things that God was speaking to me as I was speaking to the kids. I honestly don't have one big thing that prevents me from being full out for God. But, I do have a million little things that added up distract me alot. I think Paul says it best for me in Phil 4:8;
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
